Pet owners can very easily tell when their pets change their behavioral patterns. When this happens, the first concern is to find out why. Stress and anxiety in cats can be due to several reasons like environmental changes and physical stress among others. The causes of stress in cats, the symptoms, and how to help our cats get back to a better physical and emotional health are as follows:
1. External Causes- Even subtle changes in a cat's environment can lead to stress; substantial changes, such as moving, introduction of a new baby, or other animal to the household, can have devastating effects on cats. Cats react in a number of ways to new family members, including aggression, withdrawal, or sudden litter box avoidance, to name a few. By understanding this and planning ahead, the concerned care giver can help the cat avoid the stress of a sudden introduction, while letting the cat know that its still part of the family.
2. Relocating-Moving calls for care in seeing that your cat's life is not disrupted or as little as possible. It helps to keep the cat closed off in a separate room with his favorite toys, litter box, food and bed, while the rest of the house is moved. Usually the cat gets frustrated when he can't get outside to defend his territory; the cat will suddenly attack the closest being, whether it is another resident cat or a hapless human. Dealing with this form of aggression calls for creative thinking, which includes keeping your cat away from the window or somehow barring his view, and taking steps to discourage the strange cat from straying into your yard.
The other option is to give medication to your cat during this stressful period. Drugs like Pet Calm or ProQuiet are quit effective, they help your pet to relax during times of stress. Visit our home page for great discounts on pet supplies and products.